Head-to-head · Audio Player Software
Rhythmbox vs Lollypop
Rhythmbox leads on 0 checks, Lollypop on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRhythmbox · 8.5/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRhythmbox · 3 of 4
Rhythmbox scores higher on our rubric for audio player software: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Rhythmbox is the better fit for linux users wanting a simple free music library. Lollypop is the better fit for linux listeners who value a polished music collection.
- Rhythmbox fits best
Linux users wanting a simple free music library
- Lollypop fits best
Linux listeners who value a polished music collection
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Side by side
| Feature | Rhythmbox 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Lollypop 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #2 in Audio Player Software | #3 in Audio Player Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting a simple free music library | Linux listeners who value a polished music collection |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Rhythmbox 3/4 · Lollypop 2/4 | ||
| Library management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Playlist support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tag editing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Gapless playback | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux | Linux desktop; Android device synchronization via MTP |
| Audio formats | Not checked yet | MP3/MP4, Ogg, FLAC |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Rhythmbox is a desktop music player and library manager from the GNOME project, intended for Linux desktop environments. It is aimed at people who want to organize and browse a personal music collection, play tracks, create or manage… Read the review → |
Lollypop is a free desktop music player designed for the GNOME environment, aimed at Linux listeners who want to organize and browse a music collection alongside playback. It includes playlist support, a party mode that selects… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Rhythmbox — where it wins
- Organizes and browses a personal music library
- Includes playback and playlist management
- Lets users edit track metadata; free and open source
Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux only
- Focused on personal music libraries and core playback
- No AI features
Lollypop — where it wins
- Organizes collections and supports party playlists and a full-screen view
- Plays MP3/MP4, Ogg, and FLAC with native ReplayGain support
- Fetches lyrics, artist biographies, and cover art; supports scrobbling
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux desktop rather than a range of operating systems
- Playback formats listed are limited to MP3/MP4, Ogg, and FLAC
- Android is a synchronization target via MTP, not a player platform
- Rhythmbox8.5/10 · Free plan
A straightforward Linux desktop player for organizing and playing a personal music collection.
Visit RhythmboxFull verdict → - Lollypop8.3/10 · Free plan
A focused Linux desktop player with collection tools, ReplayGain, and scrobbling.
Visit LollypopFull verdict →
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All audio player software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update